What is the difference between escitalopram and citalopram?

Answer by  rosieposey78 (1304)

Escitalopram is an updated formulation of citalopram. Citalopram has a mixture of R isomers and S isomers. R and S isomers are exactly the same chemically and physically except that they are mirror images to one another. This makes R and S react chemically different. Escitalopram has only the S isomer and has fewer side effects than citalopram.

Answer by  MattK (1713)

Escitalopram and citalopram are quite literally the mirror image of each other chemically. They both are ssris, having the same mechanism of action and similiar profiles. Citalopram was the first one of these two developed and was follwed by escitalopram. Both are indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder.

Answer by  Mrscmrn (1449)

Escitalopram (lexapro) and citalopram (celexa) are both antidepressants. They both are in the class of SSRI's. People's brain chemistry is different so one may work while the other may not.

Answer by  Jalaine11 (2043)

Clinically there is no difference in these two medications. Eiscitalopram was made after citalopram. Eiscitalopram is the active component in its prescription and its dose will be smaller than the other one. It is also more expensive.

Answer by  mb (5482)

Escitalopram and citalopram are just two different names for the same anti depressant medication. Escitalopram is the generic name, citalopram is the brand name.

Answer by  TMyers (1084)

Escitalopram, or Lexapro, and Citalopram, or Celexa, are relatively the same medication. They are both SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) that are intended to treat depression. The major difference between Lexapro and Celexa is the enantiomer type and levels that they contain. Lexapro has been better proven to treat both depression and anxiety while Celexa only treats depression.